There's a lot more to safety and comfort than the clothing you wear while on patrol.
Don't leave the station without your helmet! An American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certified helmet helps prevent head trauma should you fall or be thrown from your bike. When riding be sure to have your helmet strap snugly fastened to prevent the helmet from flying off your head. However, when stopping or dismounting for any reason, be certain to unsnap the helmet strap immediately.
Protective eyewear is as important as your helmet. The glasses you choose should be rugged and shatterproof, capable of preventing objects from penetrating your eyes.
Choose an armored vest made with one of the new, lightweight fibers that will keep you cool and comfortable yet provide adequate protection from flying bullets. View Galls entire Body Armorselection.
A durable pair of cycling gloves should provide a good grip as well as protect your hands from the elements, road rash and cyclists palsy. Fingerless styles are ideal for warmer months. When the temperature drops, though, you'll need more protection. Form-fitting thin wool gloves can be slipped on under your fingerless ones for needed warmth in cold climates.
Duty belts, holsters and other holders should be nylon. Lighter in weight and more flexible than leather, nylon duty gear is kinder to your lower back where the weight of the belt is centered when you're riding. Sean Collinsworth, founder of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Bike Patrol Unit and noted Bicycle Expert, quips, "Everyone says leather breathes. Well, it may have breathed on the cow, but it doesn't on your waist!"
Veteran officers agree that it's important to make adjustments not only to the amount and kind of gear carried on the duty belt, but to how that gear is carried. Suggestions include trading in large, heavy flashlights for lightweight ones and relegating extra handcuffs to your bike bag. Additional tips focus on minimizing the danger from items attached to the belt. Pens and pencils, for instance, should be placed in a pouch of their own rather than your pocket to avoid having them pierce your thigh during a fall. Holsters need to be secured high and snug against your waist, not low on the thigh, to avoid banging around while riding.
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